France’s ban on “forever chemicals” comes into force Thursday following mounting concern over the adverse health impacts of these persistent pollutants.
The landmark bill was passed on 20 February 2025, with more than 140,000 citizens calling on their MPs to support the ban.
It comes amid growing pressure on the EU to phase out its use “as soon as possible”.
While it has been hailed for protecting the health of French citizens, environmentalists warn that items removed from the first draft bill have weakened its significance.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 10,000 synthetic chemicals that take thousands of years to degrade naturally.
Used since the 1940s, PFAS have been found virtually everywhere on Earth – from the peak of Mount Everest to the tissue of deep-sea dolphins and whales off the coast of New Zealand.
Chronic exposure to these human-made chemicals has been linked to the promotion of certain cancers, reduced fertility and disruption of the immune system.
Scientists warn that these toxic chemicals can be inhaled or ingested, with more recent research discovering they can even enter our blood by being absorbed by the skin.
In Europe, an estimated 12.5 million people live in communities with drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
